Understanding BPD *Potential Trigger Warning*
May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Borderline Personality Disorder affects 2-6% of adults. The disorder is one that is least known and least understood by many people including professionals. The intention of this post is to educate and inform the community about BPD and it's causes, as well as provide information about treatment. I would like for this to be a place where we can discuss the topic and learn from one another. I hope you find this post informative.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a strong pattern of unstable relationships, self-image, or emotions. People who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder often have a hard time managing their emotions and feel things at an intensity higher than that of someone without borderline personality disorder would feel them. People with Borderline Personality Disorder also often experience an intense fear of abandonment, engage in self-harm, and many of them will attempt suicide at least once. There are 9 diagnostic symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder and in order to be diagnosed an individual must meet 5 of the 9 criteria. The diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-5 is listed below:
(1) frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5
(2) a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation
(3) identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self
(4) impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, Substance Abuse, reckless driving, binge eating).
Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5
(5) recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
(6) affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)
(7) chronic feelings of emptiness
(8) inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights)
(9) transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms
What Causes BPD?
This question is not as easy to answer. The Biopsychosocial theory best explains what may lead a person to develop the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. .
The bio part of the theory refers to biological factors that can lead to this disorder. This includes genetic factors and abnormalities in parts of the brain. It is known that a person is more likely to develop Borderline Personality Disorder if a parent or a close family member suffers from the disorder. It is also known that people who suffer with borderline personality disorder have abnormalities in the parts of the brain that control emotion regulation and impulsivity.
The psycho part of the theory refers to the psychological factors that can lead to this disorder. This includes experiences that lead to thoughts and emotions which ultimately lead to beliefs about ones self.
The third part is social which is just how it sounds. It involves cultural, familial, socioeconomic, and medical factors. It also deals with how we interact with others. We often learn how to behave based on our interactions with other people. For example people with Borderline Personality Disorder have often learned maladaptive coping mechanisms because of invalidation.
Treatment
To date the best known treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. DBT is under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that focuses on teaching the individual more effective ways of managing emotions and coping with their intense emotions.
Medications are often used to help with symptoms of BPD such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, but there are no specific medications designed for BPD specifically.
Resources for those with BPD
BPD Support Community on 7cups
https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com
Discussion questions:
1. What kind of supports have you found in your community or online that have been helpful in managing borderline personality disorder?
2. BPD is often highly stigmatized by society, why do you think that is, and do you see any steps we could take as a community to change the stigma associated with BPD?
3. What are some things that you wish other people knew about BPD?
4. How could someone support you when you are struggling with your BPD symptoms? How could a listener on 7cups best support someone with BPD?
5. What else would you like to know about Borderline Personality Disorder
I have BPD. It took ten years of misdiagnosis for someone to suggest BPD - which I'd never heard of. I like to describe it by saying I feel too much, which, if I had to choose, I would rather have than not being able to feel much of anything. Now that I have learned skills in order to cope with these big feelings, I am doing so much better! I would recommend that training, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy of DBT, to anyone wanting to better understand and control their emotions. 👍
@Willendorf2017
I don't even think I'm borderline but still find that DBT is a great life skill. Everyone should learn those skills
@Watercolorrain
I agree. I think DBT is something pretty much anyone could benefit from :)
@InvaderStitch
The best we can do is to approach *everyone* with care and respect.
Because chances are that she doesn't know she has BPD and isn't receiving any help,
therefore it's best to just be kind to everyone !
(because, its not like people carry a "BPD" stamp on their head, or something ;))
I was given this a a diagnosis about 2 years ago until then I was labeled a manic depressive bi polar. This fits me so much more. I quickly had to quit counseling because it just don't fit into my schedule. I am a single mother of a very active 4 year old who is also showing signs of having the issue. We don't really have much a support group and the people who would be considered this know absolutely nothing about this issue. This diagnosis is probably the main reason my marriage failed.
@Bkisses2016
Oh no that sounds difficult trying to manage BPD without much support while trying to raise a 4 year old. I hope that you're able to find some support on 7cups. I know it's not much, but it's something. We're here for you :)
I finally feel like im on the right track after seeking help for BPD, after years of whiplash emotions.
As a mother, fiancé and teacher i have to keep a level head- for me it requires lots of inner care and mindfulness.
Journaling has helped. I am still trying to understand myself.
Triggers for me----
Not getting things right the first time.
Loosing things.
Running late.
Loneliness.
Unexpected tragedies.
Are some to name...
The worst experiences from BPD for me are suicidal thoughts and attempts, not reginising myself in the mirror, self harm, panic attacks leading to hospitalisation.
